Assessment

Welcome to Assessment!

Establish basic skills placement levels in reading, English, and math for entering students

Evaluate transcripts and test scores from other institutions to establish placement levels and clear prerequisites

Provide Assessment Services and support to English as a Second Language (ESL) students

Provide test preparation materials for the BSA and Ability to Benefit (ATB) test

Clarify students understanding of results and assist students with making appropriate course selections in basic skills classes

ASSESSMENT MISSION STATEMENT:

The Assessment Office is responsible for establishing student basic skill placement levels in reading, English, math and English as a Second Language (ESL) through the administration of assessments, and evaluation of transcripts, test scores and degrees from other institutions. Testing accommodations are provided for students with disabilities and non-native speakers. Students identified as weaker readers are provided an opportunity to take an alternate reading assessment - the Degrees of Reading Power (DRP), or an English as a Second Language assessment for placement into ESL courses. Students needing to meet the federal Ability to Benefit (ATB) requirement is administered the ATB test and results are provided to the Financial Aid Office. Proctoring services are provided for individuals in the College's service area taking online courses through other institutions or pursuing certifications. Prerequisites for reading, English, math, biology and chemistry courses are communicated to students and staff and electronically enforced through the evaluation of transcripts from other colleges. An interpretation of placement levels and course eligibilities are provided to students as part of the College's pre-enrollment activities. Statistical research data is generated and disseminated to instructional and Student Services staff for the purpose of monitoring the effectiveness of the College programs and curriculum planning. The Assessment Office adheres to the NCTA Professional Standards Guidelines.

The Assessment Office staff believes in each student's success at Butte College. A student's knowledge of their skills in reading, English and math is an essential part of clarifying academic goals and understanding the expectations of college level courses. As students embark and continue on their educational journey at Butte College, the Assessment Office is committed to providing an assessment process which is valid, reliable, and fair for all student populations and in providing comprehensive feedback on how their basic skills results relate to the skills necessary to succeed in college.